Book Review: The House at Riverton

The House at Riverton is a gorgeous debut novel set in England between the wars. It is the story of an aristocratic family, a house, a mysterious death and a way of life that vanished forever, told in flashback by a woman who witnessed it all and kept a secret for decades.

We recently read The House at Riverton for my work "book club".  I had read The Secret Garden by Kate Morton before so I was familiar with her writing.  While I am not a huge fan of Ms. Morton's wordy writting style, I absolutely loved this story.

It was a quick and easy read that kept my interest the whole way through.  It has everything I love in books....a love story, mystery, and interesting characters.  The narrator is the lady's maid who knows all of the secrets of the house, but kept them for decads.  She finally reveals them to her grandson through tapes while on her deathbed. 

I don't want to give away any secrets incase you decide to read it, but it's definitely a book I would recommend. 

Do you still make out?

Chris and I rarely make out.  I want to, but he thinks it is kind of pointless, unless it is going somewhere (and even then he could care less).  This led us to wonder....do married couples (or have been together for a long time) still make out?  I don't necessarily mean in public (though I don't care if you do), but just in general. 
I'd like to think they do.  He is convinced that they only make out when it will lead to sex.  What do you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts...and your husband or partner's thoughts!! 

125 Stocking Stuff ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

I love Christmas.  It is my favorite time of year so I thought, why not share my love of Christmas and shopping by sharing some of my ideas with you!  Since my kids are 2 and 4, I decided to tailor my stocking stuffer list to them, but most can be applied to kids of any age.

1.  Bubbles
2.  Crayons
3.  Coloring Books
4.  Washable Markers
5.  DVD's
6.  Board books (or any books)
7.  Nail Polish
8.  Nail Polish Stickers 
9.  Bows
10.  Ponytail holders/headbands
11.  Hats
12.  Gloves or Mittens
13.  Scarves
14.  Matchbox cars or hotwheels
15.  Airplanes
16.  Trains
17.  Balls (bouncy balls, hackey sac, wiffle balls, etc)
18.  Littlest Pet Shop Toys
19.  Fur-Real Toys
20.  My little pony
21.  Sun catchers
22.  Glow Sticks
23.  Costume Jewelry
24.  Sippy Cups
25.  Fun Silverware sets
26.  Pinwheels
27.  Slinky
28.  Craft Supples (pipe cleaners, glue sticks, etc.)
29.  Water color paint
30.  Finger paint 
31.  Do-A-Dot paint
32.  Art smock
33.  Candy/Snacks/Fruit/Pez/Candy Necklace
34.  Flash Cards
35.  Stickers
36.  Sticker Book
37.  Temporary Tattoos
38.  Play Doh
39.  Play Doh Accessories (scissors, cookie cutters, etc.)
40.  Harmonica
41.  Kazoo
42.  Recorder
43.  Whistle
44.  Ear buds
45.  Stacking cups
39.  Bath toys
40. Foam bath letters and numbers
41.  Toothbrush
42.  Toothpaste
43.  Band Aids
44.  Bath Paint
45.  Bubble Bath
46.  Bath Crayon
47.  Stamps and Stamp pad
48.  Magic Grow Capsules
49.  Stuffed Toys (beanie babies, etc)
50.  Leg Warmers
51.  Fun socks
52.  T-Shirt
53.  Garden gloves
54.  Flash Light
55.  Puzzles
56.  Paper Dolls
57.  Jump Rope
58.  Yo-yo
59.  Sidewalk Chalk
60.  Card games (old maid, go-fish)
61.  Mood ring
62.  Silly straws
63.  Finger puppets
64.  Sunglasses
65.  Watch
66.  Knot Genie
67.  Doll/Barbie Clothes
68.  Magnetic Abc's or numbers
69.  Model kits
70.  Trading cards
71.  Silly bands
72.  Night light
73.  Silly putty
74.  Note pad
75.  Magnifying glass
76.  Music Cd's
77.  Little people
78.  Weebles
79.  Glow in the dark ceiling stars
80.  Bike bell
81.  Foam glider plane
82.  Tape Measure (my kids love these)
83.  Polly Pocket
84.  Pool Goggles
85.  Special Ornament
86.  Blankie
87.  Snow globe
88.  Play money
89.  Action figures
90.  Pretend baby doll bottles
91.  Roll of coins to put in their piggy bank
92.  Small lego sets
93.  Wind up toys
94.  Mini Frisbee
95.  Kaleidoscope
96.  Barbie
97.  Dolls
98.  Silly String
99.  Fun flossers
100.  Foam soap
101.  Fishing Rod
102.  Kite
103.  Cooking Apron
104.  Garden tools
105.  Under Roos (or similar)
106.  Disposable place mats
107.  Toy iPhone
108.  Super Hero mask and cape
109.  Small Disney dress-up Dolls
110.  Snap and Go Dolls
111.  Microphone
112.  Fisher Price Wheelies
113.  Magic Wand
114.  Hair Gel
115.  Coin Purse
116.  Vinyl Wall Decals
117.  Chinese Yo-yo
118.  Chap Stick
119.  Fun Kleenex
120.  Butterfly Net 
121.  Squinkies
122.  Construction Trucks
125.  Letter from Santa

2 under 5, loss, feedingissues, potty training, and FUN!

I love Becky's idea of finding other bloggers that they can connect with.  I guess for me, the problem is, I don't know where I fit in.  While I've dealt with infertility, a miscarriage, a stillbirth, severe feeding issues with my son, and so on, I don't want those issues to define me or my blog.  While I write about them occassionally, I also write about my adventures as a mom to my 4 year old daughter, Mia

       and my 2 year old son, Paxton. 

I write about my failed DIY projects, occassionally I talk about celebrity gossip or reality T.V, and I do a few book reviews as I love to read.  Mainly, I just want to connect to other moms with small children so we can get through this craziness together.  Between tantrums and potty training, some days, I feel my head may expload.  I'm addicted to fountain cokes and I love a good glass of wine (red or white, I'm not picky). 
But more than anything, I love my kids (and my husband).  Life is never perfect, but I try to see the good in everything and in everyone.  I'm an eternal optimist. 

Ribbon Wreath

I've seen these ribbon wreaths everywhere and I Love them!  I knew that I had to make one for Christmas.

Materials: 
18 inch wire wreath
lots of ribbon (cut in approximately 6 inch strips)
A cute bow

Once you have your materials together, you start tying knots. 

I thought this was going to be a quick, easy, inexpensive wreath.  I was wrong.  While it was easy, it has taken me 3 weeks and I'm still not finished (granted, I work full time and have 2 kids under 5 so my time is limited).  I've spent about 2-3 hours on it so far. 

I've also learned that DIY doesn't always mean its going to be less expensive.  This may end up being the most expensive wreath I own.  Sad, but true.  I used MUCH more ribbon than I thought I would need.  I've probably ended up buying 16 spools so far. 

I'm more than half way done and I have to say...I think I love it.  Next time, I'll just buy from ETSY though :)

Sunday Social...4's

1. Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life.
My first job was as a paper girl, delivering newspapers at age 12. 
In high school I was a bus girl at a local seafood restuarant.  It sucked, but made some good $ in tips.
In college I worked as a server and hostess at a local steak house.  I also worked at a local TV station doing computer graphics and interning as a reporter, and at the computer lab at college.  I had a lot of jobs in college.
My current job is as an HR Specialist specializing in WorkLife and Employee Relations.

2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over.
This one is so easy!  The Sound of Music, Elf, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and What Women Want.

3. Name 4 places you have lived.
I have never strayed too far from home.  I've lived in Salisbury, MD, Alexandria, VA, Centreville, VA, and most recently, Calvert County, MD.

4. Name 4 of your favorite foods.
Chocolate covered donuts, pasta of any kind, tacos (or shrimp nachos), and seafood (mainly crabs, shrimp, and lobster).

5. Name 4 things you always carry with you.
My phone (though I misplace it at least 1x a day)
My purse
Chapstick
A pony tail holder

6. Name 4 places you have been on vacation.
Mexico (Thanks Chris for ruining that trip)-no pictures available as my husband (then friend) was passed out 99% of the time. 
Jamaica on my honeymoon
  

Miraval Spa with my BFF, Melissa

Dallas, TX

Feeding Therapy Before and After...

When started Paxton's feeding therapy, it was taking approximately 1-1 1/2 hours to feed him baby food and/or yogurt.  He had some serious sensory issues and would not touch most food.  He would scream if food came close to his mouth. 

7 weeks later, while he is still not where I wish he was, he is doing much better.  He now finishes his baby food within 30 minutes.  He doesn't fight us as much at mealtime.  He will touch food now, though he still will not self-feed.  He will also take very small bites of cheerios (if we hold his hands down).  We do 10 bites per meal and by bite 7, he is barely fussing most of the time. 

We will continue outpatient services once a week for a while for the next few months until we make more progress.  Overall, he is doing better and we are happy that we made the trip every day.   I highly recommend Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.  The staff is wonderful and they are so kind and compassionate. 

Black Friday, Support Small Businesses

So many people will be out at the major department stores shopping for black friday, but remember, small businesses also offer great deals!  Today I'm going to highlight a few of my friend's sites:

EV Modern Baby:  A couple of weeks ago I did a giveaway from my friend Carol's shop EV Modern Baby.  She makes amazing, high quality clothes and can also do custom orders.  She is affordable and super talented.  Check out my post to see some of her other work adn don't forget to check out her shop too.  You can also like her facebook page for current promotions.

Beauty Voyers:  My friend Melody is a genious.  She came up with this amazing idea for a website.  I wrote about it here.  It offers makeup and hair tutorials as well as product information.  While she isn't "selling" anything, who doesn't want to look great for the holidays?  Check her out!

Little Laws Prints:  It is no secret that I love Kristen and I buy all of my paper products from her shop.  Not only is she super talented, but the money goes to Smith's college fund and well...how can you not love that kid.  He's so cute!  Check her out on FB for current promotions.  She makes invitations, thank you's custom stationary, as well as prints (and countdown calendars). 

Miche Bags:  I'm all about saving $$, especially during the holidays.  Last week, I was so lucky to win a Miche bag from Marcy.  When I checked out the website, I realized these bags are genious!  They come with covers so you can just change the look of your bag without changing purses.  How have I not heard about these before?  Anyway, if you are interested in finding out more, email Marcy at themrsburris@yahoo.com

So What Wednesday

I'm linking up with Shannon again for So What Wednesday.  This week, I'm saying...

• So what if my Christmas tree has been up for a couple of weeks already.  I love Christmas and I love having the extra time to enjoy it.  The kids love it too!
• So what if I am so crazy busy at work right now.  At least the day goes by fast!
• So what if we missed our photoshoot Sunday because Mia was sick.  I can reschedule it PLUS, we managed to get a few cute pictures of the kids ourselves, which we used to order Christmas cards.  Now I don't feel as rushed to get them done.
• So what if my son likes to wear dresses....  He's cute no matter what he wears and he loves being like his big sister. 

Book Review: Still Missing

  I'm excited to link up today for the Literary Junkies party!  I love to read so I can't wait to see what everyone else has been reading.    1) What book are you currently reading? Give us a little synopsis and your review.    

Description:
On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two-year-old Realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she’s about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all.

Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent captive in a remote mountain cabin—which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist—is the second narrative recounting the nightmare that follows her escape: her struggle to piece her shattered life back together, the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor, and the disturbing sense that things are far from over.

This book was fantastic.  I read it in 2 days and could not put it down.  The story is very well written and the characters are both believable and likable.  I don't want to give anything away, but this book had everything...drama, love, and mystery.  I would highly recommend it! 

2) What are your 3 favorite books of all time?
This is a hard question as I LOVE to read.  I'd have to go with:
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
Unbroken by Laura Hildenbrand
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

I really love true inspirational stories that show courage, strength, and hope and these 3 have all of that and more.


3) What is your "approach" upon entering a bookstore? Where do you immediately head after entering through the front door?

Honestly, I go to the children's section to look for stuff for my kid's first.  I'm a sucker :). 

Weekend Fun

We had another fun filled weekend (minus Mia getting sick Sunday morning).  We saw Santa, baked cupcakes for Grandparent's Day at Church, and Mia and I worked on a Pinterest Project together (pics on that to come later).

Friday night, we had fun at home.  Paxton and Mia dressed up in dresses.  I do plan to show these to his girlfriends when he gets older :)

 

The kids posed in front of the tree.  Oh my gosh, I love these two so much!

 

Saturday, we went to a local nursery to see Santa! 

 

They also had fun seeing the Christmas decor and waiting the trains!

 

 

Mrs. Clause also read stories to the kids.  So sweet! 

 

Finally, it was time to meet Santa. 

 

 

They were excited.  Mia said she wanted the rainbow unicorn dreamlight and a rainbow pillow pet bear.  Paxton wanted a purple truck. 

 

 

That afternoon, Mia and I made cupcakes for Grandparents Day at Sunday School. 

 

Sunday, Mia was sick, but we still managed to enjoy a day of snuggling in front of the TV. 

 

I hope you all had a great weekend. 

 

 

 

 

Pinterest project- Pictures

I'm sure you have all seen the picture on pinterest of the little boy in the coupe car with a tree tied to the top.  Of course, once again, I knew that had to be my Christmas card this year.  We had plans to have family pictures today (this was written Sunday, Nov, 18), but Mia was sick last night.  Instead, I had to improvise and play photographer.  By noon, she was feeling well enough to pose for a few pictures outside.  It didn't take a lot to convince her to drive her jeep around in the front yard.  Here are a few of the outakes. 

 

So, what do you think?  I'm definitely not a photographer, but I think they turned out ok. 

Sunday Social...I'm thankful for...

I have so much to be Thankful for this year. Coming up with 25 things was pretty easy. These are in no particular order.

1. My awesome Husband. I'm grateful that he is healthy, that he is funny, sweet, and supportive. I'm also grateful that he is willing to go black friday shopping with me. I'm so lucky!

 

 

2. My kids. They make my life so much more interesting and bring us so much joy.

 

3. Our family. I love that our parents and extended families are always there to support us. I especially love how much they love our kids.

4. Our church and the great friends we have made there.

5. Old friends. I"m so grateful to have close lifelong friends. Friends that I went to Elementary School with, played softball with, and went to Brownies with.

 

 

6. New friends. I finally feel like I've formed a few real friendships where we currently live and I"m so happy. I even go on Girl's nights out once in a while. Yay!

7. I am so thankful to live in an area where we are reasonably close to a few of the greatest hospitals in the country...maybe in the world. We have driven to Johns Hopkins more than one time and I'm so grateful that that is a possibility.

8. Health Insurance. With Paxton's health issues, we have maxed out every year (usually before March) and I'm very grateful for the coverage...minimizing our out of pocket expense.

9. Coke-. Yes, I am thankful for the delicious taste of a fountain coke. It makes my morning 100 times better.

10. I am also grateful that we live in a home, with electricity, a car, and heat. So many people are not that lucky.

11. Food. I love food and I'm very thankful that we have an abundance of it. Again, so many people are not that fortunate.

12. Wine. Let's just throw wine in there. I'm not a fan of beer or mixed drinks, but I sure do love a good glass of wine.

13. Books.

14. I'm thankful that all of our parents are cancer free now (3 of our 4 parents have had cancer).

15. Teachers. I"m grateful for the teachers at my kid's daycare. They truly love our kids. Ms. Jill even writes to my daughter while she is away at college (she's a summer helper). They are amazing.

16. TV

17. Our jobs. In this economy, I"'m definitely grateful to be employed!

18. nonprofits like Compassion, Make a Wish, Mercy Ships, etc. I love that there are so many wonderful organizations that are there to provide assistance to people who cannot afford it or for children who are sick.

19. Ebates! I"m thankful for the ability to feed my shopping addiction and and earn money back in the process!

20. Warm days in the middle of fall or winter! I love being able to take the kids out when it is normally cold.

21. Online friends! I love that I can share my life with you and learn about you in the process. I feel like I've made a couple of real friends and it has been a lot of fun getting to know you.

22. My Sleep Number Bed. It has been the best gift ever and I"m so happy that Chris bought it for me on my first mother's day!

23. I'm grateful that I got the chance to snuggle with my kids last weekend. They rarely lay still long enough to cuddle, but they did last week and it was so sweet. I loved every second of it...even though my back was killing me.

24. I"m grateful that my kids are still at the stage where they love me and want to be around me. I think it will break my heart when they get older and find me embarrassing or tell me they don't like me.

25. For my faith! Through my faith, I'm able to move on with my life, knowing that Parker, and the baby that I miscarried are both ok and waiting for me in Heaven.